Tuesday, November 29, 2011

INCREDIBLE ELEPHANT RESCUE

Dedicated Staff at Norman Carr Safaris in Zambia Help Save the Life of a Baby Elephant and Mother – With No Time to Spare

SOUTH LUANGWA VALLEY, ZAMBIA (11/11) – There is a rule in the Bush that man does not interfere with nature. But sometimes that rule needs to be broken, especially if an animal is about to die a cruel and grim death. This just happened in the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia where a team of caring people from Norman Carr Safaris, the South Luangwa Conservation Society (SLCS) and the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) pulled together to save a baby elephant and its mother who were struggling to be free from the deep mud of the Kapani Lagoon. At first it was a losing battle but perseverance, courage and strength made the difference. For a truly heartwarming story, click on the link below: http://www.normancarrsafaris.com/cm/zambian_information/latest_news/dramatic_elephantrescue/

The South Luangwa National Park is Zambia’s premier wildlife destination and is renowned for its unspoiled beauty and varied habitats. Norman Carr was the first in the Luangwa Valley to believe it was possible to preserve wildlife and at the same time, directly benefit the local community through tourism. He introduced the idea of eco tourism to the valley more than 50 years ago and was the first to offer walking safaris. Though Norman Carr himself is deceased, the ideals upon which Norman Carr Safaris is founded are still practiced today and provide one of the most rewarding safari experiences possible.

Visit www.normancarrsafaris.com or www.slcszambia.org for more information about the work that these dedicated people do to conserve local wildlife and natural resources of the South Luangwa National Park.

RESTORED STEENBERG HERB GARDEN BRINGS BRIGHT FRESH FLAVORS TO HOTEL’S WORLD-CLASS RESTAURANT AND BISTRO

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (10/2011) Diners at Steenberg’s two award-winning restaurants will soon savor dishes featuring the wholesome goodness of delicious fresh produce picked from the estate’s revived, historic Herb Garden.

Chef Garth Almazan of Catharina’s and Chef Brad Ball of Bistro Sixteen82 (the year of Steenberg’s founding) are the brains behind the hotel’s latest “green project.” Both are passionate proponents of sustainable living, and both are creating dishes that will showcase seasonal vegetables and fruit, picked daily from the Herb Garden. The wide range of aromatic herbs is also a chef’s dream and range from thyme, rosemary and coriander to basil, lemon grass, rocket and chives.

Both Steenberg restaurants are recent recipients of the coveted American Express Platinum Card Fine Dining Award 2011. The revived Herb Garden, providing as it does “backyard to table” freshness, will further enhance the dining experience at Steenberg.

Chef Almazan strongly supports local producers, and sources most of his vegetables and fruit from surrounding farms. He says, “It will be a pleasure to serve fare from our own garden, as there’s little to beat the taste of a freshly-picked beetroot or leek. Our guests will taste the difference.”

Almazan pioneered the “Meat Free Mondays” campaign locally, serving up an exciting selection of new vegetarian dishes for lunch and dinner and adding new dishes weekly. He introduced the concept in 2009 as a way for Catharina’s to showcase fine dining vegetarian options and to raise awareness of climate change.

This approach to “going green” illustrates the creative approach Steenberg is taking towards keeping the estate’s carbon footprint as low as possible. Graham Beck Hospitality General Manager for Steenberg, Gaby Gramm, constantly looks for innovative ways to “green” the hotels operations. She says, “Every small effort made goes a long way towards conserving our corner of the planet for future generations.” The hotel already adheres to sustainable seafood guidelines. The Herb Garden will enhance the gourmet fare offered, while offsetting the estate’s carbon footprint.

The 500-square-foot Herb Garden, located behind the hotel Pool Bar, will be nourished by an advanced new food waste recycling system, using composting worms, which are being cultivated by Steenberg’s newly-appointed “lay worm farmers,” Luzuko Sompa and Sandile Mphothulo. The idea is to use earthworms to turn the organic waste on the farm into soil conditioners for the Herb Garden, and is being overseen by Full Cycle, a green living company that is committed to reducing waste and promoting sustainable development through innovative products and services.

Other green initiatives employed by Steenberg include the use of a generator to manage energy consumption; using energy-saving light bulbs throughout the property; ensuring that biodiversity on the farm is maintained to reduce land disturbance; using borehole water for the property’s extensive gardens as well as for the hotel’s swimming pool; effective waste management of non-renewable room amenities; and educating staff and guests by way of training and newsletters.

For further information:

Steenberg Hotel
+021-713-2222
www.steenberghotel.com
Follow us on twitter @SteenbergHotel

READERS OF CONDE NAST TRAVELER PICK STEENBERG HOTEL IN SOUTH AFRICA AS THE BEST HOTEL IN AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Peggy Healy/Virginia Haynes
Montgomery Communications
phealy@montcom-ny.com
212-209-3915; 551-579-2375 (cell)

READERS OF CONDE NAST TRAVELER PICK STEENBERG HOTEL IN SOUTH AFRICA AS THE BEST HOTEL IN AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST


CAPE TOWN, South Africa (11/2011) Readers of Condé Nast Traveler have rated the Steenberg Hotel in Cape Town as the Top Hotel in Africa and the Middle East in this year’s Condé Nast Traveler US Readers’ Choice Awards. With an impressive score of 95.7, it claimed the winning title ahead of another six South African hotels which made it onto the list of Africa’s top 20 hotels. Steenberg was also listed among the Top 100 Travel Experiences in the world.

The final winners were culled from more than eight million votes cast in Conde Nast Traveler’s annual Readers' Choice Awards survey. These awards reflect the combined opinions of 28,876 Condé Nast Traveler readers rating the cities, islands, and hotels they visited in the past year, and the airlines and cruise ships they traveled on. For its range and depth, the Readers' Choice Awards are a unique and trusted source of advice globally, thanks to some of the most discerning and demanding travelers in the US.

Marking a triumphant year of major international accolades for Steenberg as a tourism destination, this award follows on the heels of scooping the coveted title of Best Luxury Hotel in Africa by www.TripAdvisor.com, the world’s largest travel site, in its 2011 Travelers’ Choice awards. Steenberg was also rated one of Cape Town’s top gourmet destinations when both its fine dining restaurant, Catharina’s, and its more informal Bistro Sixteen82, were awarded the coveted American Express Platinum Card Fine Dining Award in 2011. Adding to this remarkable roll of honors, Steenberg Vineyards was named Global Winner Wine Tourism Services in the Great Wine Capitals’ Best of Wine Tourism Awards 2011.

Gaby Gramm, General Manager of the Steenberg, commented, ‘It’s a significant honor to be voted the top hotel on the African continent by readers of the respected Condé Nast Traveler magazine, who count among the world’s most selective travelers. It’s especially heartening that votes are cast based on guests’ perceptions of their stay with us. As the first in the Constantia Wine Valley to be recognized among the best in the world on this important international platform, we believe this will help to shine the spotlight on our valley as a destination with numerous tourism attractions.”

For the complete 2011 Condé Nast Traveler US Readers’ Choice Awards list, visit
http://www.concierge.com/images/cnt/pdf/2011-Readers-Choice-Awards.pdf

Tel: + 021 713-2222
Email: reservations@steenberghotel.com
Visit: www.steenberghotel.com
Follow on @SteenbergHotel


MORE ABOUT STEENBERG

The elegant Steenberg Hotel offers deluxe accommodation comprising 21 rooms and three Heritage Suites set among the vineyards. The oldest farm in the Constantia Wine Valley, Steenberg is just 20 minutes from the center of Cape Town. It offers two distinct culinary experiences at fine dining restaurant Catharina’s, and at cellar door restaurant Bistro Sixteen82. Other facilities on the estate include the Steenberg Winery, a state-of-the-art conference facility; the 18-hole championship Peter Matkovich golf course; the luxurious Ginkgo Spa and a swimming pool.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

ADVENTURE IN BELIZE WITH MY EXCLUSIVE JOURNEYS

BELIZE (02/11) –My Exclusive Journeys, known for its unsurpassed adventures in Central America, offers “Adventuring Belize,” a journey that combines the mysteries of the ancient Mayan people with the exploration of the second largest barrier reef in the world and beautiful beaches.

The seven-night journey begins with a night in Belize City before transferring to the historic Cayo District for four nights. Explore the Maya Underworld as you travel by canoe into the eerie five-mile limestone cave with a guide and powerful flashlights. You’ll learn the archeological significance of the cave which was used for ceremonial purposes and as a funeral site by the ancient Mayans.

Travel through the jungle to Tikal, Guatemala, once the most powerful city in the Americas. Tikal is still a world of magic with a huge complex of temples, altars, pyramids and palaces peeking out above the lush jungle. Today you’ll see monkeys, aracaris, motmots and maybe a jaguar. Catch an outstanding view of the jungle from the top of a temple.

Explore the quaint town of San Ignacio and go cave tubing in a subterranean river past unusual rock formations, Maya pottery and artifacts. Placencia, a sleepy fishing village with posh boutique hotels, is your last stop on this expedition. Head to the Belize Barrier Reef for snorkeling or scuba diving or relaxing on 16 miles of beach.

Rates for the seven night expedition start at $1857 and include accommodations, breakfast daily, a massage, some lunches, cave tubing and airport transfers per person, sharing. For more information or reservations, visit www.myexclusivejourneys.com or email ba@myexclusivejourneys.com The toll free number is 1-888-334-6905.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

ZAMBIA TOURISM ANNOUNCES WORLD-WIDE CONTEST



Contact: Peggy Healy/Virginia Haynes
phealy@montcom-ny.com
212-209-3915; 551-579-2375 (cell)

ZAMBIA TOURISM ANNOUNCES WORLD-WIDE CONTEST:
PUT ZAMBIA ON THE A-LIST OF TOURIST DESTINATIONS
& WIN A $30,000 SAFARI FOR TWO.

LUSAKA, Zambia (January 28, 2011) The Tourism Board of the central African nation of Zambia is launching a world-wide contest to come up with a new slogan and a new logo that will brand Zambia as a must-see tourist destination. The contest is open to anyone on the planet over 18 years old*, so any adult reading this has a chance to win. Just come up with a snappy slogan or a great logo design for Zambia Tourism. Prize for each winner is a 15-day, $30,000 trip for two to Zambia.

Responding to market research, the Board is looking to replace its old tagline, “Zambia, the Real Africa”. Goal? Reposition the country as a bucket list destination. Zambia (formerly Northern Rhodesia) is one of the most unspoiled and beautiful countries in all of Africa. It’s best known for its abundant wildlife, classic safaris, vibrant culture and Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.

The ReBrand Zambia Tourism Contest launches January 28 and closes on February 25, 2011. A shortlist of five will be selected and all entrants and the public will be invited to vote. A panel that includes celebrity judges will select the final two winners. Prize winners will be announced on Zambia Tourism’s website and Facebook page (Zambia Tourism) on March 21.

Winners will go on a 15-day, all-expenses paid trip to Zambia for two, a tour that includes international flights, an authentic safari experience at three vaunted wildlife parks, a visit to Victoria Falls and a range of activities options: Elephant walk, anyone? Or, for great fly fishing, how about duking it out with the African tiger fish on the Zambezi River? Adventurers can go bungee jumping, white water rafting and much much more. Get in the swim and enter. Details follow.

The contest can be followed on Facebook (Zambia Tourism) and on Twitter @Zambia_Tourism For more information visit competition page of Zambia Tourism.


*Except staff and consultants of the Zambia Tourism Board, the Tourism Council of Zambia, the World Bank Group, the Department for International Development and their immediate families.

Love to Travel? Inspired by Africa?

Here’s a unique chance to re-brand Zambia as a tourism destination
and win a stunning 15 day safari.

Zambia, land of abundant wildlife, majestic scenery, tranquil lakes, vibrant culture, friendly people, bush adventure and home to the famous Victoria Falls – one of the “Seven Natural Wonders of the World”.

The Challenge…
The Zambia Tourism Board needs your help in creating a new brand for marketing Zambia as a tourism destination. This will include a slogan and logo to replace the existing “Zambia – the Real Africa”. The slogan should be in English and appeal to a broad, global audience. There are no word limits on the slogan but short and snappy is recommended. Visit www.zambiatourism.com to explore what Zambia has to offer. Closing date is 25 February 2011.

The Reward…
There are two prizes. One prize will be awarded for the best slogan and the other for the best logo. Each prize is a lavish 15 day Zambian safari for two that includes:
• A visit to the mighty Victoria Falls
• An authentic safari experience at three top wildlife parks
• Accommodation, food & beverages, activities and government taxes
• International flights from listed travel hubs
• Domestic travel and transport
• Activity options may include – safari drives, walking safaris with expert guides, canoeing on the Zambezi, walking with elephants or lions, white water rafting, fishing the Zambezi for the fighting tiger fish, bungee jumping, cultural shows, village visits and much more.
• Farewell Gala Dinner in the capital Lusaka with the Tourism Team of Zambia

How to Enter…
Email your suggested slogan and/or logo (maximum 1 MB), along with the following information to brandzambia@zambiatourism.org.zm by 25 February 2011. You can enter up to 3 suggestions but only one entry per email please.
• Your name and contact details (email, address, telephone)
• Your nationality and country of residence
• Whether you have visited Zambia before
• We would love to keep you updated on Zambia’s tourism news and will add your details to our database unless you say otherwise

Follow the competition…on Facebook (Zambia Tourism) and on Twitter @Zambia_Tourism
Read research on Zambia’s tourism by Cornell University student team

The Vote…
A shortlist of five entries will be selected and you will receive an email asking you to vote. The final decision will be made by the panel of judges.

Terms and Conditions…
• This competition is open to individuals aged 18 or over, from any country in the world.
• Staff and consultants of the Zambia Tourism Board, the Tourism Council of Zambia, the World Bank Group, the Department for International Development and their immediate families, are not eligible to enter.
• Entrants agree to relinquish all copyright to the Zambia Tourism Board.
• Prize conditions:
o Prizes to be taken prior to July 2012 (excluding the following periods - August, September, Christmas week 2011)
o Prizes are non transferable
o Only one prize will be given if the same person wins in both categories
o International flights will be included from the following hubs – any EU capital, New York, Washington DC, Dubai, Johannesburg, Cairo, Nairobi.
• It is not guaranteed that the winning slogan/logo will be used for Zambia’s tourism marketing.


Dates
• 25 February 2011 – competition closes at midnight in Zambia (CAT time zone).
• 14 March 2011 – the five short listed entries will be displayed on the website and the entrants & members of the public will be invited to vote. The outcome will be viewed as market research and will not necessarily be the ultimate winner of the competition.
• 21 March 2011 - prize winner(s) will be informed and the results announced on the ZTB website/facebook.

To help Zambia’s tourism find the perfect solution, please pass this onto your friends, family, colleagues, clients – in fact to everyone you know! You could also share with your FACEBOOK friends and tweet it on TWITTER.




The prizes have been generously donated by
o South Luangwa – Bushcamp Company, Norman Carr Safaris, Sanctuary Retreats, Robin Pope Safaris
o Lower Zambezi – Baines River Camp, Chiawa Camp, Chongwe River Camp, Kanyemba Lodge, Sausage Tree Camp
o Kafue – Mukambi Safari Lodge, Wilderness Safaris
o Livingstone – Islands of Siankaba, River Club, Royal Livingstone Hotel
o Lusaka – Protea Hotel Arcades
o Proflight Zambia & Sefofane for internal flights
o Zambian Ground Handlers – coordination

We thank our sponsors for providing these prizes: Zambia’s tourism companies, the Zambia Tourism Board, the Department for International Development, and the World Bank Group.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

ENJOY A POLLUTION-FREE NIGHT SKY IN ZAMBIA AT NORMAN CARR SAFARIS


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Virginia Haynes
Montgomery Communications
212-209-3915 or vhaynes@montcom-ny.com


ENJOY A POLLUTION-FREE NIGHT SKY IN ZAMBIA AT NORMAN CARR SAFARIS
Astronomy Finds New Popularity in Africa Where the Stars Are Brighter

SOUTH LUANGWA, ZAMBIA (12/10) – Today, 50% of the world’s population can no longer see the stars because of pollution. An outstanding exception is the remote and pristine South Luangwa Valley in Zambia where the air is light and the moon and stars are bright. Here, you can re-discover the beauty and wonder of the night sky with Norman Carr Safaris’ “Return to the Wild” sleep-out safari .
With famed guide Abraham Banda at the lead, you’ll wend your way to the spectacularly beautiful Luwi dry river bed where you’ll spend the night on a bedroll with a mosquito net. You’ll marvel at the Southern Cross and the vast black hole beneath it, known as the coal sack, as Abraham points out all the constellations of the glittering Southern sky and explains how the stars influence the daily activities of the Zambian people.
You’ll also experience the tranquility and beauty of the orange moon as it reflects on night waters. And when the stars come out -- and you’re there in the right season -- so do the fire flies until you are surrounded with thousands of points of light above and below.
Christina Carr, daughter-in-law of the late Norman Carr, believes that it is the night sky that is the spiritual side of Africa – that opens up your soul. She says: “When I first came to Zambia, I could not get over what an important role the night plays in African life. Everything is alive and vibrant and the stars really do appear brighter. Coming from an urban area where electric lights are paramount, this was a real awakening for me.
“Our most successful dinners in the Bush are given under the full moon. The light is so bright it keeps away the predators. And I am always amazed at the sight of the moon lining up with Venus and Mars. “
On your night under the stars, once the camping site is selected and a camp fire lit, the game ranger will prepare dinner with your help. After dinner, adventure stories are told around the fire until it’s time to bed down under the magnificent African sky while your guide and scout keep watch until morning.
The rate per night per person for the Return to the Wild sleep-out safari, for a maximum of four guests, is $200. This may be combined with a stay in one of Norman Carr Safaris Bushcamp sites or at the Kapani Lagoon House. For more information, contact kapani@normancarrsafaris.com or visit www.normancarrsafaris.com